KAWARTHA LAKES-While most communities in the Kawartha Lakes region developed around agriculture and forestry, a large part of Rosedale’s appeal has been cottaging, tourism and waterfront life. Work began on the Rosedale lock in 1869, but a lockmaster was not appointed until the steamer Coboconk was launched to ply Cameron and Balsam Lakes in 1876. By the turn of the century, cottages were being built in the vicinity, including the summer home of James Dickson and family—a Fenelon Falls surveyor who was a key figure in founding Algonquin Park and Ontario Parks.
In the early twentieth century, motor launches superseded steamers, and by the 1920s, several local residents had their own boat—though canoes remained more economical and common. As motor cars were becoming common, many visitors drove to visit the region, growing demand for accommodations and entertainment. For several decades, the Rosedale River was lined with tourist lodges—in this era, most families travelled to rent a cabin, rather than having a cottage of their own.
Founded in 1926, Rosedale hosted an annual regatta on the river, which soon became one of the community’s most popular and anticipated events. Organized by St. John’s Anglican Church, it was typically hosted on a holiday, like the August Civic holiday. It was free to participate in the regatta, and refreshments were available on site, which served as a church fundraiser. To prepare for the event, the church ladies baked many scrumptious treats, including many pies. Local businesses donated prizes, while the T. Eaton Company furnished the trophies. In time the event would grow to support the Anglican, Presbyterian and Catholic Churches.
For 1934 events included a variety of swimming, canoeing and skiff races for different age groups and abilities. Swimming races ranged from a 25-yard swim for girls under 10 years of age to a mile swim for the Betty Hodgson Challenge Trophy. Kids could compete in a washtub race—in that era few families had electricity or running water. Participants in the 50-50-50 race would run 50 yards, swim 50 yards and canoe 50 yards. There was also a fishing competition. The tilting competition was one of the most memorable events. Teams of two would include one person standing in the front of a canoe with a wooden pole, trying to dunk their opponent, while their partner steered and stabilized the boat from the rear.
The Rosedale Regatta would evolve with the times. As many locals served their country during the Second World War, this festival did not continue, but it was restarted in the late 1940s. By the 1950s, ever more families had their own cottage and motor boat, so motorized races around Balsam Lake added to the swimming and canoe races on the canal. Sea flea racing was a popular event in the 1950s, with Al Lytle as one of the most memorable competitors, as the event continued to attract large crowds. But in the decades that followed, many traditions of community recreation began to wane—as watching television became more common than neighbourhood or community dance parties. The Rosedale Regatta would fade into history, along with the Cedar Villa Dance Hall (located just north of town on Highway 35), and many of the lodges that once lined the Rosedale River. Today, Rosedale’s boat launch stands on the site where spectators once gathered on the dock to enjoy the regatta—a symbol of how many families today enjoy individual recreation, where their grandparents once gathered as a community to make happy memories together.
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum and was written by Glenn Walker.
If you want to make a donation to the museum, you can e-transfer to: [email protected] or mail a cheque to :
Maryboro Lodge Museum
Box 179
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Fenelon Falls, ON
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